Tips & Tricks

KYBELLA KYBELLA® is a prescription medicine used in adults to improve the appearance and profile of moderate to severe fat below the chin (submental fat), also called “double chin.” It is not known if KYBELLA® is safe and effective for the treatment of fat outside of the submental area or in children under 18 years of age. If you’re interested in a nonsurgical way to reduce submental fullness, KYBELLA® may be right for you. KYBELLA® is a first-of-its-kind injectable treatment for adults with submental fullness that destroys fat cells under the chin to improve your profile. KYBELLA® MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU IF: You’re bothered (unhappy, self-conscious, embarrassed) by fat under the chin, also known as submental fullness, you feel the condition makes you look older or heavier than you actually are, you don’t want to have surgery, and/or you eat well and exercise, but submental fullness does not go away. Multiple injections under the chin per treatment; up to 6 treatments spaced at least 1 month apart. 59% of patients received 6 KYBELLA® treatments in clinical studies. Treatment is tailored to the amount of fat under the chin and aesthetic goals. Treatment can only be administered by a KYBELLA®-trained healthcare specialist. At each treatment, you will receive multiple small injections under your chin, and the injection process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The exact number of injections will depend on the amount of fat you have under your chin and your desired profile. After KYBELLA® treatment, you will likely have some swelling, bruising, or numbness under your chin. Be sure to inform your healthcare professional if you develop an uneven smile, facial muscle weakness, or difficulty swallowing. You should not receive KYBELLA® if you have an infection in the treatment area. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take a medicine that prevents the clotting of your blood (antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicine). There are possible side effects that KYBELLA® can cause serious side effects, including nerve injury in the jaw (which can cause an uneven smile or facial muscle weakness) or trouble swallowing. Injection site problems including: bruising, hair loss, open sores (ulcers), damage and tissue cell-death (necrosis) around the injection site. Call your healthcare provider if you develop open sores or drainage from the treatment area. The most common side effects of KYBELLA® include swelling, pain, numbness, redness, and areas of hardness in the treatment area. This treatment is permanent. It kills the fat cells in the neck and is an excellent alternative to...

The Benefits of Arnica Massage Oil Arnica is a flowering perennial plant from the daisy family. It’s blossoms are used to make arnica oil, an aromatic, yellow essential oil. At Flagstaff Face & Body, we use an arnica oil blended with other relaxing essential oils to help temporarily reduce inflammation, soothe the body and mind, and reduce tension in muscles and joints. Arnica works by increasing circulation, thereby increasing energy and promoting healing throughout the body. It is widely used to reduce muscle soreness from sports or excersize, and can help to reduce arthritic pain. When topically applied to minor injuries like bruises and strained muscles, it can quickly stimulate circulation to those areas, including the resources and oxygen needed to produce healthy new cells and heal broken blood vessels. When applied to the base of the neck or temples, it can work to quickly relive migraines or headaches. When applied to the skin, this oil takes about 3 hours to absorb into the body. Numerous studies have found that arnica can help stimulate the production & activity of white blood cells. This helps stimulate the immune system and increase bacterial and viral resistance. Schedule a soothing, repairing, and anti-inflammatory arnica oil massage or body wrap today & experience the...

4 Layer Facial from Repêchage Our premier facial treatment, 4 Layer Facial from Repêchage. The most renowned facial in the world to the most cutting edge protocols, has been creating facial treatments based on natural, seaweed-based ingredients combined with advanced science and technology for over 35 years. Their professional treatments are globally recognized for good reason: the multitude of benefits, and they continue to develop new and better treatments for skin care problems based on the latest scientific research and advanced knowledge of techniques, technology and treatment. “Sea” the difference! Repêchage’s development team is constantly searching for the latest in skin care technology. Seeking solutions to skin care problems globally is their mission, and results are effective long-term so that you can have great skin in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Repêchage signature treatments are uniquely packaged to help deliver the freshest product each and every time! The Four Layer kits take the guess work out of treatment applications with a unique uni-dose application system, with pre-measured steps to assure the same highly effective results. Each treatment is open immediately prior to application and mixed in front of the client–no double-dipping, no dispensing. Now that’s a smart treatment! Experience layer upon layer of pure, fresh European and American seaweed to help tone, deep cleanse and firm the appearance of your skin dramatically. Enjoy a cool seaweed mask, followed by a mineral-rich thermal mask that allows for total relaxation and wow results. Skin is cleaner and younger looking. “Sea” the...

Then it’s time to get rid of unwanted hair. Our laser hair technology is safe and effective for most skin types. Studies show both women and men can feel disfigured from unwanted facial and/or body hair. How it works: This treatment uses a cosmetic laser that has settings adjusted to both your skin and hair type. The laser fires a concentrated beam of light that’s directed at the pigment in your hair follicles. This kills the follicle at its root, preventing those hairs from growing back. Hair grows in cycles. Lasers are effective in only the anagen phase (the active growth phase) when the melanin load (hair pigment) is at its highest. Because not all of the hairs are in the anagen phase at any one time, treatments must be repeated to capture new hairs coming into the anagen phase. It often takes between five to six sessions (4-8 weeks apart) for best results. You’ll want to be consistent. After the first few treatments you might not see much of a difference, but will start to notice a dramatic drop in unwanted hair after the first three sessions — and even more after that. Dark hair follicles are usually easy to treat because, again, the laser targets the hair’s pigment. This is also why gray, white, blonde, and red pigments can be tricky. Darker skin tones can also be harder to treat. The sad truth is that not everyone’s skin will react well to cosmetic laser treatments. Pigment problems, discoloration, and scarring can occur with some skin types, which is why it’s important to allow your medical professional to conduct a small test patch first if necessary. Before a laser hair reduction session: No sun: At LEAST 2-4 weeks before, to be exact. You can’t receive this treatment if you’re sunburned — or even if you have a tan. Summer might not be the best time to start laser hair removal if you’re a fan of the outdoors. A lot of people start treatments in the fall or winter in order to have stubble-free skin by summer! No tanning beds or tanning creams or spray tans. Shave first: This isn’t like waxing, and you don’t need to grow your unwanted hair out beforehand. On that note, you can’t come in for laser hair removal if you’ve had a wax recently. Remember, the laser targets the PIGMENT of your hair follicle, which actually has to be there in order for this to work. The best thing you can do is shave a day before your appointment....

Collagen Induction Therapy AKA Micro-needling The Eclipse MicroPen® is a revolutionary cordless dermal micro-needling device used by skincare professionals across the globe. The Eclipse MicroPen® has a high-speed motor allows for a more efficient yet timely procedure. The rapid pen motion provides a more comfortable experience that patients describe as a mild sandpaper-like sensation. Safety and control features The Eclipse MicroPen® has leads to predictable, consistent results. Automated micro-needling is an innovation in aesthetics for the treatment of the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and the skin’s texture, tone and color. The skin’s repair process results in improvement of the appearance of softer wrinkles. Eclipse MicroPen® is the most advanced medical-grade automated micro-needling device on the market. Here are a few FAQ’s to learn more about The Eclipse MicroPen® and Collagen Induction Therapy: How Is MicroPen® Different From Dermal Needling Rollers? Automated micro-needling devices move in a vertical direction for better precision when treating the skin. Unlike automated micro-needling, the roller does not create a precise vertical action. The lack of precision can contribute to greater discomfort and inconsistent effects to the skin. How Is MicroPen® Different From Lasers? No heat also equals less downtime! Most Eclipse MicroPen® patients are red for 24 hours or less. That advantage means you can get the procedure performed on a Friday and be back to normal for work on Monday. What Is Automated Micro-Needling? Automated micro-needling is an innovation in aesthetics for the treatment of the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and the skin’s texture, tone and color. Eclipse MicroPen® is the most advanced medical-grade automated micro-needling device on the market. What Are The Benefits? The benefits of micro-needling can included a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and younger-looking skin with fewer signs of aging. Eclipse MicroPen® may also has a positive effect on the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, hypo-pigmentation, acne scars, traumatic scars, stretch marks and generally creates a fresher appearance or glow to the skin. What Areas Of The Body Can be Treated? Eclipse MicroPen® can be used on all parts of the body, including the: face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen and back. How Is The Procedure Done? A sterile cartridge containing 12 points is attached to the Eclipse MicroPen®. Your skincare professional will apply a thin layer of sterile saline or hyaluronic acid to your skin and select the appropriate pen setting based on your unique needs. Next, in a single motion, the pen will be gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered. What Does It Feel Like? The feeling associated with the Eclipse MicroPen® is similar to light sandpaper being moved across the skin. While some areas are more sensitive than others, the speed of the reciprocating tip reduces discomfort while the applied hydrating gel also makes the treatment more tolerable. What Is The Downtime? Immediately after the treatment you will notice a bright redness to the skin. The total healing time depends on the Eclipse MicroPen® setting used and the number of overlapping passes your skincare professional performs. On average, patients are red up to 2 to 4 days. Many patients heal completely in as little as 24 hours. Utilizing Skinmedica Recovery Complex can help to speed up the healing process and assist with...

What Will It Take For You To Get Your “EYES ” Back? Dear Dr Bass, I look in the mirror and see a “tired” face looking back at me, even after 8 hours of sleep. My eyes use to be my best feature and now they seem to have lost their luster. I probably need something done with my neck but I really don’t want to look overdone. Can I just do something for the eyes? Tired of Looking Tired Dear Tired, Yes that mirror and family photos do bring some wonderful people into my practice. You’ve heard the sayings that 50 is the new 30, and 60 is the new 40. I’m sure it isthe baby boomer generation spreading those comparisons. I do believe that we are aging differently than our parents where 50 was old and people looked like they were 70. Now because boomers are so active and eating better their body is acting and looking younger. But their facial skin is falling and can’t be covered up with clothes. So we do sometimes need an intervention, like plastic surgery to keep the face looking the same age as the body and mind. You describe that your upper and lower face are showing signs of aging. Not a problem. Many of my patients address just the upper half and then whenever they choose they may do something with either dermal filler to lift the cheek/mid-face or choose cheek/neck surgery down the road to get that completed refreshed look. Recovery is about ten days and you will be back on the social calendars. Please call Theresa at 602-485-1010 to schedule your consultation and we can decide on the proper procedure for you to refresh your “tired look.” Dr. Bass Dear Dr.Bass, I have heavy upper eyelids and my eyes are starting to look smaller and smaller. I think that if some excess skin is removed from the upper eyelid then I will get my wide open eyes back again. My friend has the same concerns and was told she needed to have a forehead lift. Why can’t she just have the excess skin of upper eyelids removed? Confused Dear Confused, The eye area is a little tricky. What I’ve found is that the eyes look heavy for a couple different reasons. What is the position of the eyebrow when the face is in relaxed position? It is below the brow bone? Are the eyebrow and eyelashes too close? Or is the excess of the upper eyelid skin extending beyond the outer edge of the eye? Or is the eye brow in a proper position but you have no visible upper eyelid. Many questions need to be taken into consideration before coming up with the proper treatment. One surgical procedure does not work for everyone. Let’s see you in consultation to make sure that you will be treated with the correct procedure. Thanks for your question. Dr. Bass Dr. John Bass, M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery. Member: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, Arizona Society for Plastic Surgeons, Arizona Medical Society Affiliations: Scottsdale Healthcare Hospitals Dr. Bass, consistently named a prestigious “Top Doc,” most currently “2015,” has artfully transformed hundreds of patients through his...

Summer Skin Care Tips Summer weather means showing more skin, hotter temperatures and plenty of days spent in the sun. You know that a regular skin care routine includes cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating. However, during the summer you need to add a few additional steps to your skin care regimen. Your skin is the largest organ your body has and you should treat it with care. Of course sunscreen is always necessary, but there is more to your summer skin regimen than your SPF. Exfoliate Regular exfoliation is important to your skin. When you exfoliate, you remove dead skin cells and debris that lead to clogged pores. If you have sensitive, aging or dry skin, you may think that you should skip the exfoliating process. True, you probably should avoid harsh scrubs as your method of exfoliation, but it is still an important step towards healthy skin. Chemical exfoliants using AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) are gentle exfoliants that you apply onto your skin and follow with your sunscreen and moisturizer. Make this step a little easier with a multi-tasking products that do both. For a super easy DIY body exfoliator, mix sugar and coconut oil and rub in circular motions all over your body. If you’d prefer to forgo the mixing of your own exfoliator, there are plenty of excellent options on the market to choose from. Hydrate Your skin and body require adequate hydration and most people are not getting enough water each day. Doctors recommend that you drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. If you drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, you should plan on tripling the amount of water that you drink. And while flavored waters and teas are tasty, it is important to drink eight glasses of plain, filtered water. Make sure that you are never far from hydration by keeping a water bottle with a built-in filter at your side. Sun Protection Sunscreen is an important part of everyday skin care, though most people tend to skip it most of the year. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays do more than just give a nasty burn; they significantly speed up the aging process. Additionally, those who catch rays without protection and experience burns are more likely to develop skin cancer than others. To avoid all of these skin issues, apply an SPF to your face and body every single day. Experts recommend that you use approximately a teaspoon amount of sunscreen to your face and enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass for your body. Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every two hours. Although many sunscreens claim to be sweat-proof or waterproof, experts suggest that you reapply sunscreen any time that you emerge from water. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your hands, feet and lips. Proper skin care helps keep signs of aging away, reduces blemishes, and protects your skin from the elements. With more skin showing, it is important to remember that your face is not the only skin needing care. Stay hydrated, get rid of dead skin and debris and always, always apply sunscreen so that you can enjoy the sun safely. Brian Stumbaugh is a recent college graduate residing in San Diego, CA. Brian recently joined the Colorescience...

Here are a few simple guidelines that will make your waxing experience a smooth and relaxing. Does it hurt? There is a little discomfort however the results are well worth it. Clients quickly get used to the sensation. Routine waxing helps to reduce the pain, and will minimize irritation. If you are planning a bikini, betweenie or Brazilian waxing treatment, avoid scheduling the appointment near your menstrual cycle. While it is still possible to wax during your cycle, your skin will be more tender and the treatment will be more painful at that time. Plumb Numb This fast-acting FDA compliant anesthetic gel contains the highest level of lidocaine allowed by the FDA for an over the counter product. For temporary pain relief, use it 30 minutes before your next waxing. It’s non-oily, contains a proprietary blend of soothing botanical extracts, and features a fresh menthol scent. Safe to use on any part of the body and won’t stain clothing. What should I do to prepare for my visit? You should arrive “freshened up” or if there isn’t time, we provide moistened “towelettes” for your convenience. For an underarm wax, it may be necessary to avoid antiperspirant or deodorant to help the wax adhere more easily, but keeps yourself fresh just before your appointment. How long should I wait to get waxed after I’ve shaved? You need some growth for the wax to adhere to the hair. Hair should be at least 1/4″ (about 2 ½ to 4 week’s growth) for the most effective waxing. Everyone’s hair growth rate is slightly different. How long will it last? The results will last anywhere from ten days to three weeks. We recommend booking appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. The hair eventually gets softer and thinner every time it grows back. Longer Lasting Results Whish Hair Inhibiting Gel is a lovely and quick absorbent moisturizer that exceptionally versatile to boot. Not only can it be used to soothe your skin after a day in the sun, or replenish it after shaving, waxing or laser, it also slows hair growth. All this and it’s made with natural ingredients. Active Ingredients: Inhibits with larrea divaricata (chapparel) extract. Moisturizes with organic aloe, organic shea butter panthrnol. Renews with hyaluronic acid and retinol palmitate. What can I expect afterwards? Let your skin heal. After you get your wax, it is likely that your skin may be slightly irritated and possibly red. If this happens it will usually clear within hours to a few days dependent on area & skin sensitivity. What can I do About Ingrown Hair? Whish Flawless cleans out the pore, prevents ingrown hairs moisturizes, soothes and regenerates. Perfect for men and women, Whish Flawless can be used on face and neck, bikini area, underarm, brow, lip and chest or wherever blemishes from shaving, waxing, or laser occur. We also recommend using Whish Sugar Scrub approx. 24 hours after waxing or after any sensitivity has resolved. This is a great routine to do every day to get rid of the dead skin cells and help “lift” the hairs growing out. It will also help to speed up the hair removal process. What are the possible side effects of waxing and how can they be minimized? Although we cannot predict or guarantee who may react, most clients do not experience...